Prayer for law enforcers
March 2016
I feel I must respond to a letter “Seeking clarity” (March issue of Living Lutheran, page 49). First, I must explain that I am white, male and a law enforcement officer for nearly 44 years. Ms. Marilyn Melvin most likely sums up what most in the ELCA believe: “’I don’t understand why white police officers are always gunning down or directly murdering black children.’” I am writing this because letters of this nature simply throw gasoline on an already large fire. It seems the church, government and the media are deliberately fomenting racial angst with every unfortunate taking of life. In November 2014, the Rev. Stephen Bouman wrote: “’The death of young black males by police still happens too often in our communities. I am sad that a rite of passage in young black lives is to learn survival skills they learn how to negotiate being out and about in the world and encounters with law enforcement.’” Letters and statements such as these do not foster any kind of calm, thoughtful response to a serious problem that we face.
I resent the vilification of all law enforcement officers by those who have no idea what it is like to come face to face with life threatening situations. Two weeks ago, seven law enforcement officers were killed nationwide in the line of duty. I did not see statements from the ELCA office extolling the lives of these brave officers that gave their lives for their communities. I don’t expect to see any letters in The Lutheran either. I also don’t see the professed love, tolerance and grace of this church. I honestly have no idea why the editorial board of The Lutheran would publish such a hateful letter. Ironically, the cover of the March issue, “All are welcome.”
It is now 24 hours after writing the two paragraphs above. Overnight three more law enforcement officers in Virginia were shot answering a domestic violence call. One of the officers has died. I won’t expect any reaction from my church concerning this tragedy. My friends, there is a war on law enforcement going on in this country, and we in the law enforcement community who are also members of the ELCA cannot expect to receive love and support from this church.
Gene W. Ziegenhagen
Eagle Bend, Minn.
Editor's response:
Thank you, Mr. Ziegenhagen, for your letter. Indeed, many are not aware of what it’s like to come face to face with life threatening situations. Through the ELCA social statement, The Church and Criminal Justice: Hearing the Cries, Lutherans gives thanks for those who serve in law enforcement for the common good. This church recognizes that those who serve regularly encounter complex and stressful situations that take a toll on their lives and relationships. The statement also acknowledges that the reputation of law enforcement has been stained by evidence of racial bias and excessive use of force. In a Jan. 14, 2016, live webcast, “Confronting Racism: A Holy Yearning,” Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton engaged in conversation with a former police sergeant, an ELCA member who had been incarcerated, and a circuit court judge. In the webcast, Eaton invites Lutherans to “model for the rest of this country what it means to have difficult conversations.” Hope you find this of interest, and please know you are being prayed for by this church.